Information for Employees regarding Pay Continuance
Information Related to Continuance of Pay
As McMaster joins with the rest of Canada to increase social distancing and adopt other measures to try and slow down the spread of COVID-19, the university has moved to temporarily enabling work from home for those employees that are able to do so. Some employees that perform essential and required services remain physically present in the workplace. Others are not able to perform their roles remotely. The university values all of its employees and the important work that they do.
We realize that many employees are concerned about compensation arrangements at this time, particularly those who are unable to carry out their regular duties on campus. As previously announced, McMaster is committed to ensuring that all employees will continue to be compensated for the three-week period through the pay period ending April 4, 2020. This includes those staff with temporary or casual appointments who are paid on an hourly basis for work performed.
The university continues to closely monitor the dynamic nature of this situation and will continue to provide updates on operational impacts informed by the expert guidance we receive from public health and government officials.
The following chart helps clarify how pay will be calculated for this period. Although there may be some slight variance based on individual circumstances, generally this will mean the following regardless of whether an employee is working remotely, on campus, in affiliated hospitals or has been unable to fulfill their planned work activities during this window:
Pay period March 8th to March 21st | Pay period March 22nd to April 4th | |
All salaried employees | Continue to receive regular pay | |
Employees receiving stipends or special premium payments | Continue to receive regular amount per agreement | |
Hourly, unionized employees with regularly scheduled hours each week | Continue to receive regular pay | |
Hourly, unionized employees with variable hours each week | Will be paid based on one or a combination of the following methods:
– actual hours worked; or – planned or scheduled hours (even if unable to work); or – average hours normally worked |
Will be paid based on one or a combination of the following methods:
– actual hours worked; or – planned or scheduled hours (even if unable to work); or – a minimum of the average hours worked over the past 8 weeks* |
Temporary and casual employees | Will be paid based on one or a combination of the following methods:
– actual hours worked; or – planned or scheduled hours (even if unable to work); or – average hours normally worked |
Will be paid based on one or a combination of the following methods:
– a minimum of the average hours worked over the past 8 weeks*; or – actual hours worked |
*Note: The 8-week average hours are based on the finalized pay periods from January 12 through March 7, 2020, inclusive.
We encourage employees to speak with their supervisor should you require confirmation of hours related to your personal situation.
Additional information will also continue to be available on the Human Resources COVID webpage as we post regular updates to this site.
As we know many members of our community and their families may also require support to assist with their personal planning, health and well-being information, and access to community resources, this is a reminder that our Employee and Family Assistance Program is available. Individuals can contact Homewood Health through their website or by phone toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to book appointments, or access any EFAP service.
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- Toll Free English:1.800.663.1142
- Toll Free French: 1.866.398.9505
- TTY: 1.888.384.1152
- International (call collect): 604.689.1717
- Homewood Health Online: www.homeweb.ca and create an individual login profile
- * Services are available in multiple languages – when you call, let them know which language you would prefer to communicate in (including point of contact, translation of documents, counselling services and interpreters)
Please know that all of us in Human Resources Services will continue to do everything we can to help you through this uncertain time. Please contact our HR Service Desk from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for consultation, advice and support at (905) 525-9140 ext. 222-HR (47), or e-mail us at hr.mcmaster@mcmaster.ca. You can also leave a message after hours and we will return your call on the next business day.
Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation during the next several weeks as we maintain our focus on supporting each other and protecting the safety and well-being of all our McMaster community members.
COVID-19, Payroll, Payroll Administration, Things to Know, TMG